The wait for Mitchell Starc continues for Delhi Capitals and it’s getting longer than expected. The left-arm quick hasn’t joined the squad yet. He’s currently in Australia, dealing with a shoulder and elbow injury. From what’s understood, Starc is unlikely to be available until around April 20.
That timeline means he’ll miss at least three important games. DC are set to face Gujarat Titans on April 8. Then Chennai Super Kings on April 11 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18 – 3 big fixtures and no Starc.
DC holding steady without their spearhead
Here’s the interesting part. Delhi haven’t looked shaky without him. Under Axar Patel, the team has already picked up wins against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. That’s not a small achievement.
The bowling unit, in particular, has stepped up. Mukesh Kumar has been sharp with the new ball. Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan have handled the pressure overs well and then there’s the spin trio.
Axar himself, along with Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam, have kept things tight in the middle overs. It’s been a complete bowling effort. Disciplined, Balanced and effective.
Starc speaks out amid injury setback
Starc hasn’t stayed silent through all this. In a recent social media post, he addressed the situation directly. He made it clear that he’s actively rehabbing and managing the injury.
What stood out was his frustration. He called out what he described as “misinformed opinions” from sections of the Indian media. According to him, some voices were making strong claims about his IPL participation without knowing the full picture.
Starc didn’t hold back. He emphasized that no one understands his body better than he does. At the same time, he struck a responsible tone. He acknowledged that his absence affects the team and he apologized to both the franchise and the fans.
What this means for DC going forward
There’s no doubt about one thing. When Starc returns, he adds serious firepower. A fit Starc changes the entire dynamic of the attack. Early breakthroughs. Pace through the air. Big-match experience.
But for now, Delhi aren’t complaining. They’ve found rhythm. They’ve found combinations and most importantly, they’ve found belief. The management remains hopeful.
They’re in constant touch with Starc but there’s no fixed return date yet. Until then, this current bowling unit has a chance to make a statement and so far, they’re doing just that.